Multi-access liftgate

ABSTRACT

A multi-way liftgate assembly providing a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of those compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a PCT International Application and claims benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/850,243 filed May 20, 2019and of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/850,276 filedMay 20, 2019. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tailgate system with multiple storageand access features integrated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sport utility type vehicles with liftgate doors have become predominantin the vehicle market today. Liftgate doors typically open the entirerear compartment of an SUV vehicle which has proven very convenient tousers of passenger vehicles.

In manufacturing, fitting and designing liftgates is complex because thedoors are large and require robust hinging and locking mechanisms. Thedoors are also hard to fit during production. Thus, such doors are heavyand slow to open and close. Powered liftgates are also used in recentyears which are also slow to open and close.

Therefore it is a goal in the art to provide access to the rearcompartment in an SUV vehicle with a liftgate, which is limited, and israpid for providing access to the rear compartment when it is notnecessary to have the entire liftgate open.

Accordingly, there also exists a need for multi-way liftgate assemblyincorporating dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle (e.g.,SUV, Hatchbacks and Wagons) into a plurality of secure areas (e.g., atleast three secure areas), using the liftgate to provide controlledaccess to one or more of those compartments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a liftgateaccess door which allows access to the rear compartment of an SUV typevehicle without requiring opening the entire liftgate.

According to further aspects of the present invention, dividing the rearcargo area of a passenger vehicle (SUV, Hatchbacks and Wagons, etc) intoa plurality of secure areas (e.g., at least three secure areas) usingthe liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of thosemultiple compartments.

The present invention provides liftgate access to multiple compartments.There is also provided a multi-way liftgate assembly providing aplurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passengervehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality ofpanels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more ofthose compartments, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargoarea his fellow vehicle occupants can place and remove cargo from.

The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargoarea his fellow vehicle occupants can place and remove cargo from.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1, is a perspective view of the multi-way liftgate assembly in acompletely open position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multi-way liftgate assembly in acompletely open position with cargo trays deployed, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-way liftgate assembly with aleft side open only, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-way liftgate assembly with aright side open only, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multi-way liftgate assembly with anupper window open only, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6, is a perspective view of the multi-way liftgate assembly in acompletely closed position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an SUV vehicle having a liftgateaccess door in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the SUV vehicle showing the liftgateaccess door of the present invention in an open configuration;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of an SUV vehicle showing the liftgateaccess door open with a cargo tray feature deployed; and,

FIG. 10 is rear perspective view similar to FIG. 9 showing a packagebeing placed ready for storage in the cargo compartment of the SUVvehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10 generally, there is illustrated a multi-wayliftgate assembly shown generally at 10 of a vehicle 12. SUV typevehicles 12 typically have a liftgate 15 which includes the entire backend of the vehicle having both an upper portion with a window and alower portion which lift on hinges in an upward direction to reveal theentire rear end compartment. The liftgate assembly 10 provides at leastone liftgate access door which allows access to the rear compartment ofan SUV type vehicle without requiring opening the entire liftgate. Theliftgate assembly 10 also provides access to storage solutions in therear compartment, including sliding and/or divided features. Theassembly 10 provides at least one divider dividing the rear cargo areaof the vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.Preferably, a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of thevehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality ofpanels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more ofthose compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of whichportions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-wayliftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area ofa vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-6, there is illustrated amulti-way liftgate assembly 10 of the vehicle 12. According with aspectsof the present invention there is provided the liftgate assembly 10 withat least one liftgate access door which allows access to the rearcompartment 20 of the SUV type vehicle 12 without requiring opening theentire liftgate 15.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, there are aplurality of liftgate access doors that are sub-rear end compartmentsized (i.e., dividing the width between lateral sides of the liftgate 15or dividing the height of the liftgate 15 or both). A first liftgateaccess door 26 and second liftgate access door 28 split the width aboutin half (i.e., the left side door being a mirror-image to the right-sidedoor). The actual doors 26,28 are each operably actuated to open/close.According to aspects of the present invention, the first and seconddoors 26,28 are operably hinged 10 a for opening to the sides of thevehicle 12. Alternatively, a suitable linkage mechanism for opening tothe sides of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, or additionally, a suitablerobust track system is provided for allowing the liftgate access doorsto move out of the way of the rear end compartment 20. This allows theaccess doors to be opened and cargo to be inserted into the storagecompartment 20 of the vehicle 12. The liftgate access doors 26,28 areopenable automatically as is known to those skilled in the art or it isa manual opening door. Preferably, the liftgate access doors 26,28 areopened automatically, independently or simultaneously, by a remote orsensor which allows hands free operation. The remote signal is a remotecontrol, motion sensor, touch sensor, key fob or keypad. In eithermanual or automatic configurations, the liftgate access doors 26,28 areof a smaller size and can be opened and closed rapidly with much lesstime and effort than the entire liftgate 15.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one cargotray, preferably, a plurality of cargo trays is provided to assist inloading of cargo 50. A first and a second cargo tray 32 and 34 areeither manually or automatically operably slid in and out of the rearend cargo compartment as illustrated in the drawings. A suitable robustextendable track system is provided for allowing the cargo trays 32,34to support a cargo load 50 when extended (e.g., incorporating tracksystem 16/38 and 40/41, respectively)

Thus, in operation either or both of the doors 26 and/or 28 are openedquickly and either or both of the cargo trays 32 and/or 34 are deployed,a carry-on bag or other luggage or other cargo 50 is placed on either ofthe cargo trays 32,34 and then the trays 32,34 slides into the cargocompartment 20. Thereafter the doors 26,28 are closed and the vehicle 12is ready for transport. It is understood that the trays 32,34 do notalways need to be extended to place the cargo 50 unless desired.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a third liftgateaccess door 27 is provided (e.g. less than the overall height of theliftgate 15). The actual door 27 is operably actuated to open/close.According to aspects of the present invention, the third liftgate accessdoor 27 is operably hinged 10 c,10 c for folding upward. This allows forthe third liftgate access door 27 to be opened and cargo to be insertedinto the storage compartment 20 or into an additional rear storagecompartment 24 of the vehicle 12 (e.g., at least one upper compartment).The liftgate access door 27 is openable automatically as is known tothose skilled in the art or it is a manual opening door. Preferably, theliftgate access door 27 is opened automatically by a remote or sensorwhich allows hands free operation. The remote signal is a remotecontrol, motion sensor, touch sensor or keypad. In either manual orautomatic configurations, the liftgate access door 27 is of a smallersize and can be opened and closed rapidly with much less time and effortthan the entire liftgate 15. The additional compartment 24 includes notray, however, it is contemplated that the compartment 24 could beadapted to house at least one slidable tray similar to previouslydescribed without departure from the scope of the present invention.

It is understood that more or less trays 32,34 are contemplateddepending on the particular applications without departure from thescope of the present invention.

According to the present invention, at least one divider divides therear end storage compartment 20. At least one first divider 14 (e.g.,substantially vertical divider(s), horizontal divider(s), angleddivider(s), central divider, more than one divider, any combination ofdividers, etc) divides the compartment area into a first and secondcompartment 16 and 18 (e.g., left and right compartments, side-by-sideleft/right, up/down, row, line, etc).

At least one second divider 22 (e.g., substantially horizontaldivider(s), horizontal divider(s), angled divider(s), central divider,more than one divider, any combination of dividers, etc) divides thecompartment area 20 into at least a third compartment 24 (e.g., at leastone top compartment, at least one lower compartment, etc), according toaspects of the present invention.

The liftgate assembly 10 includes the at least one liftgate accesswithout having to lift the entire liftgate 15. FIG. 1 depicts all threeliftgate access doors 26,28,27 in an exemplary fully open position allowaccess into the first, second and third 16,18,24 compartments. FIG. 2depicts the first and second trays 32,34 extended out to receive cargo.FIG. 3 depicts exemplary access to the first compartment 16 when thefirst liftgate access door 26 is articulated to the side to an openposition and the second door 28 remains closed. FIG. 4 depicts exemplaryaccess to the second compartment 18 when the second liftgate access door28 is articulated to the other side to an open position and the firstdoor 26 remains closed. FIG. 5 depicts the third liftgate access door 27opened upward to load cargo into the third compartment 24. FIG. 6depicts the liftgate system 10 in a fully closed position.

Preferably, the first and second access doors 26,28 are a liftgatecomposite material and the third access door 27 includes a window 30. Itis understood that any suitable materials are contemplated depending onthe application without departure from the scope of the presentinvention (e.g., aluminum, plastics, glass, reinforced fiber filledmaterial, lightweight molded material, etc and combinations thereof).

The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargoarea passengers can place and remove cargo from. The present inventiongives the ability to provide multiple secure openings to the cargo areaof a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargoarea. By separating the exterior surface into three distinct accessportions and remotely controlling access to those doors, the vehicleoperator has greater control of allowing access to cargo in the rearstorage areas and can even provide remote access using smart phone,smart watch technology or any other smart device, application andplatform Preferably, the assembly 10 includes suitable robust hingingsystems operably adapted for the two lower access doors (e.g., 26 and28) to be opened in dense parking situations.

Preferably, the assembly 10 includes at least one vertical divider(e.g., 14) and, most preferably, at least one horizontal divider (e.g.,22) to separate the rear end storage compartment area 20 of a SUV,hatchback or wagon or any other type of vehicle into at least threedistinct compartments (e.g., 16,18,24). It is understood that any otherdivider configuration and orientation is contemplated depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention(e.g., angled, zig-zag, square, rectangular, triangular, honeycomb, aplurality of vertical dividers, a plurality of horizontal dividers andany other suitable divider and combinations thereof.

The dividers are preferably plastic. It is understood that any otherdivider material is contemplated depending on the application withoutdeparture from the scope of the present invention (e.g., netting, mat,rubber, sailcloth, fabric, cardboard reinforced wrapped fabric panel,canvas, tote, aluminum, metal, and any other suitable divider andcombinations thereof. Optionally, the dividers are removable by a user,when desired. Optionally, the dividers can be selectively reconfiguredby a user, when desired.

While a 3-way liftgate is shown and described, it is understood thatmore or less than three liftgate access doors are contemplated dependingon the particular applications without departure from the scope of thepresent invention. The assembly 10 is at least a 2-way liftgate. Mostpreferably, a 3-way liftgate.

It is understood that any aspect(s) of FIGS. 1-6 are operably adaptableand combined depending on the particular application without departurefrom the scope of the present invention. It is further understood thatany of the aspects of FIGS. 1-6 are operably adoptable and combinablewith any aspects of FIGS. 7-10, alone or in any combination(s),depending on the application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention.

Referring to all of the FIGS. 1-10 generally, and more particularly toFIGS. 7-10, in accordance with aspects of the present invention there isprovided the liftgate assembly indicated generally at 10 with at leastone liftgate access door 29 which allows access to the rear compartment20 of the SUV type vehicle 12 without requiring opening the entireliftgate 15.

SUV type vehicles 12 are known which typically have a liftgate 15 whichincludes the entire back end of the vehicle having both the windowportion 30 and a lower portion 31 and has edges 35 and 37 on lateralsides. The window 30 and lower portion 31 lift on hinges in an upwarddirection to reveal the entire rear end compartment 20.

In the present invention the liftgate access door 29 is sub-rear endcompartment sized (i.e. less than the width between gate edges 35 and37). Preferably, the liftgate access door 29 is about the size of atleast a carry-on luggage bag as defined by airplane carry on standardsized luggage. As shown in the drawings the actual door 29 has aplurality of hinges 10 b for folding upward. This allows for theliftgate access door 29 to be opened and carry-on luggage bag 50 to beinserted into the storage compartment 20 of the vehicle 12. The liftgateaccess door 29 is openable automatically as is known to those skilled inthe art or it is a manual opening door. Preferably, the liftgate accessdoor 29 is opened automatically by a remote or sensor which allows handsfree operation. The remote signal is a remote control, motion sensor,touch sensor or keypad. In either manual or automatic configurations,the liftgate access door 29 is of a smaller size and can be opened andclosed rapidly with much less time and effort than the entire liftgate15.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a cargo tray 33 isprovided to assist in loading of cargo 50. Cargo tray 33 either manuallyor automatically operably slides in and out of the cargo compartment asillustrated in the drawings. A suitable robust extendable track systemis provided for allowing the cargo tray 33 to support a carry load 50when extended (e.g., incorporating system 40.41).

Thus, in operation the door 29 is opened quickly and the cargo tray 33deployed, the carry-on bag or other luggage 50 is placed on the cargotray 33 and then slides into the cargo compartment 20. Thereafter thedoor 29 is closed and the vehicle 12 is ready for transport.

It is understood that any aspect(s) of FIGS. 7-10 are operably adaptableand combined depending on the particular application without departurefrom the scope of the present invention. It is further understood thatany of the aspects of FIGS. 7-10 are operably adoptable and combinablewith any aspects of FIGS. 1-6, alone or in any combination(s), dependingon the particular application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multiple-access liftgate assembly, comprising:at least one liftgate access door which allows sub-liftgate sized accessto a rear compartment of a vehicle without requiring opening the entireliftgate.
 2. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid liftgate access door is less wide than the sides of the liftgate.3. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 2, wherein theliftgate access door is sized to accommodate a carry-on bag.
 4. Themultiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 1, wherein said liftgateaccess door is hinged for lifting upward.
 5. The multiple-accessliftgate assembly of claim 2, wherein said liftgate access door ishinged on its side.
 6. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 1,wherein a cargo shelf is mounted at the base of the rear compartment forsliding out for receiving cargo.
 7. The multiple-access liftgateassembly of claim 6, wherein the cargo shelf is slidably operablymounted to a track mechanism.
 8. The multiple-access liftgate assemblyof claim 1, wherein said liftgate access door automatically opens inresponse to a remote signal.
 9. The multiple-access liftgate assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the remote signal is a remote control, motion sensor,touch sensor, key fob, keypad or smart device.
 10. The multiple-accessliftgate assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one additionalliftgate access door.
 11. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim1, wherein said liftgate access door is operably hinged for opening toeither side of the vehicle.
 12. The multiple-access liftgate assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one upper liftgate access dooroperably hinged to the vehicle which allows access to a compartment ofthe vehicle without requiring opening the entire liftgate.
 13. Themultiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 1, further comprising atleast one divider separating said rear compartment into a plurality ofsecure areas.
 14. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 13,further comprising at least one additional liftgate access door, whereinthe plurality of secure areas are assessable from the respectiveliftgate access door.
 15. A multiple-access liftgate assembly for avehicle, comprising: at least one liftgate access door in a liftgatewhich allows sub-liftgate sized access to a rear compartment of a sportutility type vehicle without requiring opening of the entire liftgate.16. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 15, furthercomprising at least one additional liftgate access door allowing accessto a separate secure area of the rear compartment.
 17. A multiple-accessliftgate assembly for a vehicle, comprising: at least one rear cargocompartment; at least one divider splitting the rear cargo compartmentinto a plurality of separate secure areas; a plurality of liftgateaccess doors formed in a liftgate exterior to allow access intorespective secure compartment areas without requiring opening the entireliftgate.
 18. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 17, whereinsaid liftgate access door automatically opens in response to a signal.19. The multiple-access liftgate assembly of claim 17, furthercomprising at least one tray mounted within each secure compartment areafor sliding in/out for loading/unloading cargo.
 20. The multiple-accessliftgate assembly of claim 17, wherein at least two of the plurality ofliftgate access doors are operably hinged to open the doors in thedirection toward the sides of the vehicle.